All in a Dane’s work

My days start out as normal as it gets around here. That is to say, I’m sure not anyone else’s vision of normal, but isn’t that just an agreed upon construct anyway? I mean really, I think normal should be kibble and cuddles in the morning, followed by some zoomies in the yard, a nice nap, then maybe some lap-sits followed by another nap. Maybe, since I love my job I could walk Dad through a hardware store or maybe the local Ranch & Feed store for a new toy. Is THAT my normal day? NO! I have to wake up before the sun so Dad can stay home and go to work in Connecticut…from home…we live in Oklahoma folks! Way to let go of the past Dad! I hang out with the cats most of the day, but I always check in to see if he needs me, or on the chance, I get to work.

It’s not all being lazy, yesterday we voted on a school board referendum, then renewed the registration for my SUV (and mom’s). After that, we dropped Mom at home and stopped to see Mr. Brendan for a haircut (Dad’s, not mine). I get groomed in the back yard like some kind of dog! It wasn’t too much work, but it’s always good to get out.

Today was a bit more of the same, kibble then naps then some zoomies and complaining that my sister was getting ALL the Dad time. He assured me that when he was done working I would get a chance to work today. I kept checking in to see if it was time, but he kept telling me we had to wait. Finally, he was done! I took off my PJ’s (my home harness) and dressed for work. We headed out with Mom and went to meet the eldest puppy at her school. Dad had a 3ELove shirt on so I knew we had official disability business to take care of.

We waited in the front office for classes to let out, then we made our way back to a conference room. There was a long table in the center of the room (kind of the hallmark of a conference room). We sat at the far head of the table, with me to Dad’s right, and Mom to my right. People slowly filed in while some introductions were made, others were not. (No accounting for class, but dad let it slide for some reason. – He told me later that he didn’t want to add tension to the room and most often it’s wiser to be silent.) We were there to observe, how things were unfolding with the school’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) board; specifically how they were going to handle Lily’s case. This was the second meeting, the first happened without us, and it blind-sided Mom. Dad would have had feedback had he been there., based on what Mom told him. This one was more or less paperwork but we’ll be there to ensure this plan is implemented correctly and that our girl gets what she needs.

Everyone was nice enough, and Dad purposely excluded his read of the room. (both from this post and mostly from the girls). From what we heard, the next step is a series of academic testing so they have a baseline for her. Dad’s a bit apprehensive, but as long as the facilitator is calm and personable things should go fairly well. (We met her, and Dad felt like she would be quite understanding.)

We handed out several Casper Cards and explained, where appropriate that we advocate for the disabled (…and the outcasts at large; in our home that is a thin blurred line). We’ll be back in a few weeks for follow-up. Taking these things one step at a time is the only way to go. (Paw’s & Eye’s crossed)

P.S.

We will have more on this as Dad decides how to address invisible disability and diagnoses.

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6 thoughts on “All in a Dane’s work”

Interesting to hear of your days in OK. The education meeting sounded like all the ones I have ever heard about. Seems the student/parents come 2nd and the school admin, etc. does what they want, willy-nilly. Keep at the school and never let up. YOU will be Lily’s advocate. The minute you let something slide, the school tries to slide their own agenda in instead of what’s best. It’s too bad that you have to fight about this. Keep an open mind and always hold their feet to the fire! (As a last resort, Casper, you can always let out a low growl when you don’t agree with what they say!!!)